Matthew 8:5-13
In most cases, the Jews hated Roman occupation and rule of their land. But this particular Roman was different.
He was a centurion, an army officer commanding about one hundred men.
He had practically demonstrated love for the Jewish people by building their synagogue in Capernaum (Luke 7:1, 3, 5).
Many Gentiles were drawn to the Jewish religion because of its monotheism (belief in one God) and moral teachings.
They were known as “God fearers” and participated in much of the Jewish religious life (see, e.g., Acts 10:1-2).
However, they did not fully convert to Judaism—perhaps to avoid circumcision or certain other practices.
This particular centurion was beloved by the Jews of the town. So when he sent a request to Jesus, the Jewish elders urged Jesus to grant it (7:3-4).
He had a servant whom he valued greatly, but, unfortunately, the servant was sick and about to die (7:2).
This Roman centurion pleaded with Jesus to heal his servant who was paralyzed and suffering (Mat 8:5-6).
When Jesus spoke of going to the centurion’s home to heal him (8:7), the centurion made a shocking reply.
This Roman officer understood how authority works. He had men under his command, and he didn’t need to be present for his soldiers to obey his orders—any more than he needed Caesar to visit him personally to tell him to jump.
A subordinate only needs to know that a superior has issued an order (8:9).
The centurion knew that Jesus possessed authority to heal. Therefore, he trusted that Jesus didn’t have to be physically present but only say the word for his servant to be healed (8:8). 8:10–13 Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith.
When his own disciples panicked during a storm, he rebuked them for their “little faith” (8:23-27).
Yet before him stood a Gentile about whom Jesus said, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith (8:10).
His kingdom authority and power are available to anyone who puts their trust in him (8:11), but what made the centurion’s faith so great was his total confidence in Jesus’s word.
In the same way, Jesus does not have to be physically present for his Word to work when we are operating under his kingdom authority.
In Mark 9:23-34, Jesus says,“If you can believe! All things are possible for one who believes.”
Prayer Confession:
Heavenly Father,
We come to You for Jeanette as the centurion came to Jesus in Capernaum: not relying on our worthiness, but on Your authority and mercy.
Lord, we are not worthy that You should come under our roof; only speak the word, and Jeanette will be healed.
You are a Man under authority, and all creation answers Your voice.
You tell sickness to go, and it goes; You tell strength to come, and it comes.
As You said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would,” we ask that it would be done for Jeanette according to faith in You.
Jesus, You said, “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
We believe.
Where our faith is small, help our unbelief.
Speak Your word over Jeanette’s body, mind, and spirit.
Take up her infirmities, bear her diseases, and let healing come in this very hour.
We place Jeanette in Your hands. Be glorified in her life.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen
Love you forever, Sweetheart!
🫶🙏🫶
SB SALT AND LIGHT MINISTRIES 